1984 Citroen BX vs. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1984 Citroen BX is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1984 Citroen BX. (61 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1984 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 120 kg more than 1984 Citroen BX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Sunbeam Alpine is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Sunbeam Alpine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Citroen BX, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1971 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Citroen BX. (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Citroen BX. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1984 Citroen BX has manual transmission. 1984 Citroen BX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Citroen BX | 1971 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Citroen | Sunbeam |
| Model | BX | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1971 |
| Engine Size | 1360 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2510 mm |
